Jimmy Buffett dead at 76: Music legend’s family shares emotional statement as singer leaves behind massive $1B fortune
JIMMY Buffett has died at age 76 just months after repeated hospitalizations kept him from performing.
The iconic singer leaves behind an enormous $1billion fortune and an impressive legacy from his 60-year career.
News of the music icon's death was announced by his family on in an emotional statement.
“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs.
“He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many," the Margaritaville singer's family wrote in a statement.
He leaves behind his wife, Jane Slagsvol, whom he's been married to since 1977, and three children: Savannah, Sarah, and Cameron.
Buffett was previously married to a woman called Margie Washichek from 1969 to 1972.
Following news of his passing, tributes to the CMA winner began pouring in online.
"Thank you Jimmy! I see the world differently and better because of you! RIP," one fan commented on the family's Instagram tribute.
"Absolutely devastated. So grateful we saw you live so many times. Love you Jimmy," another cried.
Most read in Celebrity
"RIP Legend! Finding his one particular harbor in the sky," a third said.
While one more reflected further: "May God bless you Jimmy Buffett. This news is absolutely heartbreaking. It doesn't seem real and I wish it wasn't. There will only be one Jimmy Buffett.
"What he created will never be matched. Like Buffett said, 'If there’s a heaven for me, I’m sure it has a beach attached.' He is in Heaven now strumming his six string and singing his timeless songs. You will be missed immensely Jimmy. Fins up and God bless."
HEALTH STRUGGLES
Buffett had been in and out of the hospital in the months preceding his death.
He was initially admitted to a hospital back in May, as reported by .
The trip to the hospital forced the postponement of a Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band concert scheduled to be held in Charleston, South Carolina at the time.
Buffett shared the news on his personal and on at the time.
He wrote: "Two days ago, I was just back from a trip to the Bahamas, thawing out from the California 'winter tour,' and chomping at the bit to get to Charleston.
"I had to stop in Boston for a check-up but wound up back in the hospital to address some issues that needed immediate attention."
Buffett did not reveal what those issues were, nor did he share any details about the status of his health.
He concluded: "Growing old is not for sissies, I promise you.
"Thank you for your prayers and thoughts, your amazing years of loyalty, and just remember, 'NOT YET!'"
Months later, in July, he surprised an audience in Portsmouth, Rhode Island with a performance at Sunset Cove, a waterfront bar.
LASTING LEGACY
Leading up to his death, Jimmy was preparing to release a new : Equal Strain on All Parts.
Throughout his career, he released more than 50 albums and wrote countless iconic songs.
He is known for his hit singles Margaritaville, Come Monday, and Cheeseburger in Paradise.
A majority of his albums have gone gold, platinum, or multi-platinum.
Buffett has performed on stages all over the world and has sold out numerous concert venues.
He won Country Music Association awards during his career and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
The musician was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and raised in Mobile, Alabama.
Before getting into music, he was a fourth-generation sailor.
He became a pilot in 1996, getting licensed to fly seaplanes and amphibious aircrafts.
Buffett owned several planes himself, including a Dassault Falcon 900, a Cessna 208 Caravan, a Grumman Albatross, a Grumman Goose, and a Boeing E-75 Stearman.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
The singer was proclaimed a billionaire in 2023 by .
The outlet noted his $180million stake in Margaritaville, his popular chain restaurant; an estimated $570million raked in from touring and recording, $140million in planes, homes, and shares in Berkshire Hathaway; and a music catalog valued at $50million.
